Block Style Letter Format and Example
A block style letter format is a common business letter format. In this format, all elements of the letter, including the date, inside address, salutation, body, closing, and signature, are aligned to the left margin. This creates a clean, modern look, and it is easy to read.
Here's a breakdown of the elements of a block style letter:
Elements of a Block Style Letter
1. Sender's Address
- Located at the top of the letter, usually on the left-hand side.
- Includes the sender's name, street address, city, state, and zip code.
2. Date
- Located two to four lines below the sender's address.
- Written in the standard month-day-year format. For example: January 1, 2024.
3. Inside Address
- Located two to four lines below the date.
- Includes the recipient's name, title, company name, and complete address.
4. Salutation
- Located two lines below the inside address.
- Start with "Dear" followed by the recipient's name and a colon (e.g., Dear Mr. Smith:).
5. Body
- Starts two lines below the salutation.
- Each paragraph is single-spaced, with a double space between paragraphs.
- The body is the main content of the letter.
6. Closing
- Located two lines below the last line of the body.
- Use a formal closing, such as "Sincerely," "Best Regards," or "Yours Truly."
7. Signature
- Located four lines below the closing.
- Type your full name in legible handwriting.
- Leave a space for your handwritten signature.
8. Typed Name
- Located two lines below your handwritten signature.
- Type your full name again.
9. Enclosures
- If you're sending any additional documents, you can indicate that with the word "Enclosures:" followed by a list of the enclosed documents.
10. Reference Initials
- If the letter is typed by someone other than the sender, their initials may be included in the bottom left corner of the letter.
Example of a Block Style Letter
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Recipient Name]
[Recipient Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Dear [Recipient Name]:
[Body of the letter]
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Tips for Writing a Block Style Letter
- Use a professional font, such as Times New Roman or Arial.
- Use a font size of 10-12 points.
- Ensure that the letter is free from errors in grammar and spelling.
- Keep the letter concise and to the point.
- Proofread carefully before sending.
By following these guidelines, you can create professional-looking and effective business letters in block style format.
